asked the Minister for Local Government whether his Department and the Dublin Corporation were consulted in regard to the proposal by Deputy Briscoe to seek in the United States of America a loan for the capital purposes of the corporation and, if so, if he will give details as to the amount of the loan, from whom it is proposed to seek it, and the rates of interest proposed.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - American Loan for Dublin Corporation.
I have no information about this matter beyond what has appeared in the public Press. The Deputy referred to is a member of the Dublin Corporation. My sanction is required to borrowing by the Dublin Corporation and to the terms thereof but consultation with my Department is not required as a preliminary to negotiations for borrowing.
Is it not a serious matter for any citizen to represent himself as an ambassador-at-large on behalf of this country in the United States, and why is a suitable denial not forthcoming from the Government?
That is an entirely different matter.
May I ask the Minister whether the statement made by Deputy Briscoe that he was going abroad to seek funds for Dublin Corporation is in accordance with the facts?
The Minister is not supposed to reply in respect of statements by every Deputy.
As far as discussing facts are concerned, the last person in this House with whom I would discuss facts is Deputy Flanagan.
Arising out of that reply, Sir, is it parliamentary for a Minister to refer to any Deputy in that contemptuous manner? (Interruptions.) When the jocular mood has cooled down, might I ask if it is in order for a Minister to refer to any Deputy as being unworthy to discuss any matter of fact with him? Is it not a fact that every member of the House is an honoured member of the House, until he is expelled by the Chair?
Even Deputy O.J. Flanagan.
Even Deputy Flanagan and even the Minister for Health.
Please do not insult me by associating me with the Minister for Health.
I would ask, Sir, that the Minister for Local Government be requested to withdraw the statement he has made.
What statement?
Would it not be in order for matters that come within the competence of Dublin Corporation to be left with that body, until such time as it may be necessary for that body to approach the Department?
In reply to Deputy MacEoin, there are many statements made in the House that the Chair deplores, but in the case of this statement, as in the case of other statements, the Chair does not see that it has any method by which they can be dealt with effectively.
May I ask your permission, Sir, to raise this matter on the Adjournment?
I will communicate with the Deputy.
The Deputy should take Deputy Larkin's admonition to heart.
(Interruptions.)
They are resting to-day.
Order!